Social Media as a Tool for English Language Learning Among Junior High School Students
Keywords:
social media, learning English, technology acceptance model, junior high school, digital learningAbstract
This study explores the use of social media in learning English among junior high school students. The research was conducted at a private junior high school, involving 81 respondents from grades 7A, 7C, and 7D. A quantitative research method was employed, utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The results indicated a very high level of social media usage for learning English among the students, with a mean score of 4.27. This suggests that respondents frequently utilize social media platforms for English language acquisition. Based on the findings, it is recommended to leverage social media in English instruction, as students are highly engaged with these platforms, which can attract their interest and motivation. However, the study also identified challenges, such as potential distractions, exposure to inaccurate language content, and a lack of guidance from teachers.
Keywords -- social media, learning English, Technology Acceptance Model, junior high school, digital learning
Penelitian ini menelusuri penggunaan media sosial dalam pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di kalangan siswa SMP. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SMP swasta, melibatkan 81 responden dari kelas 7A, 7C, dan 7D. Metode penelitian kuantitatif digunakan, dengan kuesioner sebagai instrumen pengumpulan data utama. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan analisis statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tingkat penggunaan media sosial yang sangat tinggi untuk pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di kalangan siswa, dengan skor rata-rata 4,27. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa responden sering menggunakan platform media sosial untuk pemerolehan bahasa Inggris. Berdasarkan temuan ini, disarankan untuk memanfaatkan media sosial dalam pembelajaran bahasa Inggris, karena siswa sangat terlibat dengan platform ini, yang dapat menarik minat dan motivasi mereka. Namun, studi ini juga mengidentifikasi tantangan, seperti potensi gangguan, paparan konten bahasa yang tidak akurat, dan kurangnya bimbingan dari guru.
Kata kunci — media sosial, pembelajaran bahasa Inggris, Model Penerimaan Teknologi, SMP, pembelajaran digital
References
Ahmad, S. (2019). Language learning defined by time and place: a study of TikTok on vocabulary. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 4(4), 1–13.
Al Arif, T. Z. Z. (2019). The use of social media for English language learning: An exploratory study of EFL university students. Metathesis: Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching, 3(1), 224–234.
Anderson, K. E. (2020). Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: It is time to talk about Tiktok. Library Hi Tech News, 37, 7–12.
Blattner, G., & Anderson, L. L. (2012). Facebook-ing and the social generation: A new era of language learning. Alsic, 15(1), https://doi.org/10.4000/alsic.2413
Blattner, G., & Fiori, M. (2011). Virtual social network communities: An Investigation of Language Learners’ Development of Sociopragmatic Awareness and Multiliteracy Skills. CALICO Journal, 29(1), 24-43. https://doi.org/10.11139/cj.29.1.24-43
Bouhami, W. (2016). Investigating the impact of social media on improving efl students' vocabulary: a case study of the second-year LMD students at the English Division In The University of Abd Elhafid Bousof - Mila. Journal of Language and Learning, 1(4).
Brown, H. D. (2010). Principles of language learning and teaching (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
Carr, C. T., & Hayes, R. A. (2015). Social media: Defining, developing, and divining. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 23(1), 1–43.
Chappelle, C. (2003). The use of social media in teaching and its impact on students' learning. Educational Media International, 53(4), 213–227.
Davis, F. D. (1986). A technology acceptance model for empirically testing new. Sloan School Of Management, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology.
Doody, O., & Doody, C. M. (2015). Conducting a pilot study: Case study of a novice researcher. British Journal of Nursing, 24(21), 1074-1078.
Duan, C. (2023). Tik Tok: A new way of English learning. Journal Of Education, Humanities And Social Sciences, 127-133.
Ferstephanie, J., & Pratiwi, T. L. (2021). TikTok effect to develop students' motivation in speaking ability. English Education: English Journal for Teaching and Learning, 9(02), 162-178.
González-Padilla, D. A., & Tortolero-Blanco, L. (2020). Social media influence in the covid-19 pandemic. International Braz J Urol, 120–124.
Hajjar, S. T. (2018). Statistical analysis: Internal-consistency reliability and construct validity. International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, 6(1), 46-57.
Heale, R., & Twycross, A. (2015). Validity and reliability in quantitative studies. Evidence-Based Nursing, 18(3), 66-67.
Ibrahim, N. H. (2023). The use of TikTok in learning English as a second language. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 5(2), 355–365. https://doi.org/ 10.55057/ajress.2023.5.2.35
James Cook, J. (2022). Social media and language learning: Enhancing communication skills. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 14(1), 35–42.
Kabilan, M. K., Ahmad, N., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2016). Facebook: An online environment for learning English in institutions of higher education? The Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 179–187.
Kumar, R. (2013). Web 2.0 and second language learning: What does the research tell us? CALICO Journal, 29(3), 412–430.
Langit, S. (2015). A process between teachers and students to achieve certain goals in education. Educational Process Journal, 8, 120–128.
Li, Y., & Zang, M. (2022). Self-directed use of TikTok in English language learning. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 7(2), 112–118.
Malik, R., & Nurhadi, J. (2023). Pembelajaran keterampilan berbahasa anak menggunakan algoritma aplikasi TikTok, Instagram reels, dan YouTube Shorts. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra, 5(1), 119.
Mauriza, L., & Siregar, N. (2022). The analysis of students' vocabulary mastery who are using TikTok application. Education & Learning, 2(2), 154-158.
McCombes, S. (2023) Descriptive research: Definition, types, methods & examples.
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/descriptive-research/
Menon, D. (2022). Actors influencing Instagram Reels usage behaviours: An examination of motives, contextual age, and narcissism. Telematics and Informatics Reports, 5, 100007.
Murywantobroto, S. (2017). English as a foreign language learners' perception of mobile-assisted language learning: A cross-national study. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(3), 197–213.
Rajendran, P. T., Creusy, K., & Garnes, V. (2024). Shorts on the rise: Assessing the effects of YouTube Shorts on long-form video content. ArXiv Preprint.
Rakhmasari, D. L., & Pratiwi, B. I. (2024). The influence of social media short videos on Indonesians’ English acquisition. Leksika: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya, 18(2).
Ramadani, U. P., Muthmainnah, R., Ulhilma, N., Wazabirah, A., Hidayatullah, R., & Harmonedi. (2025). Strategi penentuan populasi dan sampel dalam penelitian pendidikan: Antara validitas dan representativitas. QOSIM: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial dan Humaniora, 3(2), 574-585. https://doi.org/10.61104/jq.v3i2.1021
Rini, S., & La, S. (2023). Investigating students' vocabulary learning through captioning in social media. IJHI (International Journal of Humanities and Innovation), 6(1), 1–10.
Roshdi, N. I., & Rahmat, N. H. (2023). How does TikTok influence the acquisition of form and meaning in language use? International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(4), 1435–1450.
Sarangapani, S., & Hashim, H. (2022). Social media incorporating to enhance English as a second language learners' grammatical accuracy. Creative Education, 13, 1965–1980.
Vidani, J. (2024). Exploring the influence of reels and short videos on the reading and listening habits of generation z: A comprehensive study. International Journal of Business and Management Practices (IJBMP), 2(3).
Wang, S., Sun, Z. L., Zhang, H., & Metwally, A. H. (2024). Leveraging TikTok for active learning in management education: An extended technology acceptance model approach. The International Journal of Management Education, 22(3).
Zainal, Z., & Rahmat, N. H. (2020). Social media and its influence on vocabulary and language learning: a case study. European Journal of Educational Studies, 7(11), 1-18. http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v7i11.3259